Overcome Sleep Apnea with Oral Appliance Therapy
Have you been diagnosed with OSA, also known as obstructive sleep apnea? Are you unhappy with using CPAP therapy to address the symptoms of this condition? Do you want a more comfortable solution that is easy to travel with, care for, and use? At Mint Dental of Meridian, Idaho, Dr. Kevin Pulsipher and his team work directly with patients to help them determine if they are proper candidates for alternative treatment options for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, including oral appliance therapy. Continue reading to find out if sleep apnea therapy with oral appliances is appropriate for your unique needs.
What is CPAP therapy, and how is it used for sleep apnea treatment?
CPAP, or continuous positive airway pressure therapy, is a common treatment for sleep apnea. This therapy uses a machine to deliver steady and continuous air pressure through a mask worn over the nose and mouth during sleep. The pressurized air keeps the airways open, preventing pauses in breathing which improves overall sleep quality.
While CPAP therapy is an affordable and effective way of addressing OSA, many patients stop using their devices because they are cumbersome, noisy, uncomfortable, and challenging to travel with. If you can’t tolerate a CPAP, the team at Mint Dental may recommend oral appliance therapy (OAT) as an alternative.
How does oral appliance therapy work?
Oral appliance therapy may be beneficial if you are looking for effective sleep apnea treatment without CPAP use. It uses a specialized mouthguard that aligns the jaw and holds down the tongue to maintain an open airway while sleeping. A custom dental splint is small, comfortable, and easy to use, ensuring proper compliance with patients diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea.
Call Mint Dental today for effective sleep apnea treatment
With an obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis, many patients will find relief with oral appliance therapy instead of a CPAP device.
If you reside in and around Meridian, ID, and want to speak to Dr. Kevin Pulsipher and his team about oral appliance therapy, call (208) 900-4669 to request a consultation.
Sleep Apnea
Do you snore excessively? Do you suffer from daytime fatigue? Do you awake during the night with shortness of breath? You may suffer from the life-threatening sleep disorder known as sleep apnea. About 1 in every 15 Americans suffer from sleep apnea and it is a problem that many don’t even realize they might have. But what does this have to do with dentistry? Because sleep apnea is caused by an airway obstruction, the disorder can be treated through the mouth. The Thorton adjustable positioner, or Tap appliance is one of the more popular ways to treat sleep apnea. When the jawbone yes lax, the tongue and soft tissue obstruct the airway. The tap appliance advances the jaw bone, allowing the air to flow freely and making sleep more restful throughout the night. If you think you might suffer from sleep apnea, talk to your dentist today about possible treatment options.
FAQs
Obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA, is a common sleeping disorder characterized by chronic and repeated interruptions in breathing during one’s sleep due to the obstruction of the upper airway. Snoring, a common symptom of OSA, is the sound produced when air flows through the relaxed tissues in the throat, which causes a vibration as you breathe. Both of these may be connected, but just because one snores does not always mean they have OSA. A thorough sleep study and evaluation are necessary to determine whether or not OSA is a concern for a patient.
Dr. Kevin Pulsipher of Mint Dental can provide oral appliances, like mandibular advancement devices (MADs), that help keep the airway open during sleep, effectively reducing the occurrence of apnea episodes and consequent snoring.
Dental treatments for snoring and sleep apnea are generally considered safe and effective. However, like any medical treatment, they may have potential side effects such as excessive salivation, dry mouth, or jaw discomfort. It is ideal that you discuss these possible side effects with Dr. Kevin Pulsipher and his team at Mint Dental.
The effectiveness of dental appliances can vary depending on the severity of one’s sleep apnea and the individual’s response to treatment. Some patients find significant improvement, while others may need additional treatments. Regular follow-ups with the team at Mint Dental are essential to ensure the appliance is working properly.
Yes, it is still possible to undergo dental treatment for sleep apnea, even with dentures or missing teeth. However, the treatment plan and appliance type may need to be customized based on your unique needs. Always discuss your dental history with Dr. Kevin Pulsipher of Mint Dental to ensure appropriate treatment strategies.
